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It is probably no coincidence that the French prefer the seaside to spend their summer holidays. If it is a great play area for children, the open sea demonstrates many more virtues than we think. The sea would even be an indicator of better health for the lucky ones who live not far from it, whether in Australia, Belgium, Bulgaria or elsewhere in Europe.
It penetrates the rock by displaying a turquoise color in the creeks. It is unleashed by forming rollers which break against the coastline of Cape Gris-Nez in the North. It can be seen from afar forming a long carpet on the Atlantic coast… Sculpting holiday landscapes, the sea is essential to the life of many populations, from the Greek islanders to the ancestors of the English recognized as sailors. skilled in war. If the seaside resorts of the Mediterranean are perceived as ideal refuges to spend the rest of one’s life in good health, in reality any destination near the coasts is recommended to enjoy the benefits of the sea air.
The ideal? Live less than 2 km from the sea
This is the conclusion of a study conducted by a team of European and British researchers who report the universality of the benefits of the sea. Published in Communication Earth & Environment magazine, this analysis was indeed carried out by questioning more than 15,000 people, from England to Australia via Belgium, Bulgaria or even Ireland, Italy, Spain and France. If we take the example of England, the population living less than five kilometers from the coast declares a better general state of health compared to the years when they lived further away.
According to these data, all destinations combined, it would be necessary to live between less than a kilometer and between 1 and 2 kilometers to optimize its potential to be in good health. Such a conclusion of course raises questions at a time when coastal erosion is one of the major problems of climate change. In 2019, a study published in NatureCommunications indicated that if sea levels were raised by one meter by 2100, 190 million people would have to be displaced.
The benefits of sea air
If we know the benefits of seawater on the body, its effects are not limited to the virtues of iodine or sea salts. By living not far from the coast, we indulge in more physical activity—ah, the long walks by the sea!
A restaurant, a hotel room, a garden facing the sea, vacationers are often ready to pay a supplement to enjoy it. And they are right since this study highlights a reduction in psychological distress.
Many benefits to which must be added social interactions, “which can help reduce the allostatic load”, that is to say the effects of stress accumulated over time. Good to know if you haven’t booked your summer vacation yet…